A mum who thought her daughter had an insect bite has been left devastated after she died from cancer just a month before graduation.
Jenna Patel first visited a doctor when she noticed a lump on her shoulder she thought was an insect bite during work experience at a primary school but was told not to worry.
When it continued to grow she returned and was eventually diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma - a rare cancer which can cause tumours in the bones or surrounding soft-tissues.
Jenna, from Bolton, died in May 2022, the same month she turned 21 and was due to graduate as a teacher.
The tragedy came at the same time her father, Manish, was undergoing cancer treatment.
Mum Priti, 49, told Manchester Evening News: “Throughout absolutely everything Jenna never ever stopped smiling and that’s what people always think of, her beautiful smile.
“When we were told she had cancer, I felt numb. The news was too much to take in knowing that her dad was only a few miles up the road also going through cancer treatment.
“Jenna remained so positive and determined that she inspired us all. Her death has left a huge hole in our lives and we miss her very deeply.
“But she wanted [her brother] Liam to have an amazing career and go into medical research to make a difference.
“And we want to keep her memory alive to help others and raise as much money as we can to get rid of such a horrible disease.”
Liam, 18, will be sitting A levels this summer and hopes to study Biomedical Research at university after Jenna urged him to make a difference for people like her.
Manish, aged 52, who works for Canon, continues to receive monthly cancer treatment.
Following her diagnosis, Jenna received chemotherapy and took part in a clinical trial, however, the treatment eventually stopped working and the cancer spread to her lungs.
Just two weeks before her death, doctors informed Jenna and her loved ones that there was nothing more they could do.
To keep Jenna’s memory alive the family has been fundraising for cancer charities, including raising more than £6,000 for Cancer Research UK after taking part in the night-time Shine walk in Manchester last autumn.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North West, Jane Bullock, said: “This World Cancer Day, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to amazing supporters like Priti, Liam and Manish. Their generosity of heart in fundraising and bravely sharing Jenna’s story is incredible.
“Regular giving is crucial to our work, because it means we can fund long term research – research that could lead to new discoveries about cancer and unlock new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat it.
“One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can help beat it. So, we hope more people across the North West will donate monthly - if they can. We’re working towards a world where we can all live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
